{"id":47722,"date":"2025-10-10T01:51:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T08:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/?p=47722"},"modified":"2025-10-08T15:01:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T22:01:50","slug":"human-rights-in-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/index.php\/2025\/10\/10\/human-rights-in-sports\/","title":{"rendered":"Human rights in sports"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The seventh annual Simces &amp; Rabkin Family Dialogue on Human Rights, organized by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Vancouverites Zena Simces and Dr. Simon Rabkin, and Equitas-International Centre for Human Rights Education, takes place Oct. 23, at noon, via Zoom. It tackles the topic of The Match-up Between Human Rights and Sports: How Both Can Win Well in Today\u2019s Landscape.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, \u201csport is anchored in human rights values. It promotes fairness, non-discrimination, respect and equal opportunities for all. As it reaches billions, including young people, it is a conduit for societal change through empowerment and inclusion.\u201d Despite being anchored in human rights values, sport also faces human rights-related challenges through various forms of discrimination be it sexism, racism, ableism, classism or others. The Oct. 23 dialogue will explore the benefits of sport as a force for good in upholding human rights, the challenges currently faced by the Canadian sport system, and pathways to strengthen the balance between sports and human rights so that both win by promoting well-being for all.<\/p>\n<p>The expert panelists featured will be Bryan Heal, Jeff Adams and Armeen Kadwa. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and share comments.<\/p>\n<p>Heal is social impact research lead with Maple Leaf Sports &amp; Entertainment (MLSE), heading such initiatives as the MLSE Foundation\u2019s Change the Game research program for youth in Ontario.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Adams, a labour, employment and human rights lawyer, is a Canada\u2019s Sports Hall of Fame inductee. He won three gold medals in the Paralympics: twice in the 800-metre (1996 and 2000) and once in the 1,500-metre (2000) wheelchair racing events.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Kadwa is founder and executive director of the nonprofit Hijabi Ballers, which is dedicated to creating positive sport experiences for Muslim girls and women.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The panel will be moderated by Wendy MacGregor, a consultant, educator and lawyer, and founder and executive director of Athlete Zone. She has a master\u2019s in law on abuse and maltreatment of athletes. Her published work focuses on the root causes of sport violence, maltreatment prevention, power imbalance and wellness in sport.<\/p>\n<p>To register for the free public event, go to <a href=\"http:\/\/Skip to main content Special announcement. Explore our upcoming events \u2014 inspiring experiences for everyone! View events calendar Home  Quick links. Donate Buy Tickets Search Fran\u00e7ais Site navigation Visit  Exhibitions and Events  Stories  Education  About  Breadcrumbs Exhibitions and Events Upcoming Events The matchup between human rights and sports Land and water acknowledgement Located on Treaty 1 territory, at the crossroads of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in a historic gathering place for the Anishinaabeg, Inninewak, Anishinewak, Dakota Oyate and Denesuline, and in the birthplace and homeland of the Red River M\u00e9tis, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights continues to be a place dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. The water in the Museum is sourced from Shoal Lake and has been cared for by First Nations in Treaty 3 territory for thousands of years.  Full version  Continue The matchup between human rights and sports The matchup between human rights and sports How both can win well in today\u2019s landscape  October 23, 2025  Tags: Event Human rights promotion  A smiling man in a crowd of people holding a large yellow flag with a blue and white, \u201cW\u201d in the centre. The man is wearing a blue Winnipeg Blue Bombers jacket as he stands in front of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Partially obscured. Photo: Aaron Cohen, CMHR Share this Event  Event details  Add to Calendar Cost: Free, Zoom registration required. Location: This virtual dialogue will be held on Zoom. Schedule: October 23, 2025  12:00 p.m. \u2014 1:30 p.m. PST, 2:00 p.m. \u2014 3:30 p.m. CST, 3:00 p.m. \u2014 4:30 p.m. EST  Language and Accessibility: The program will be presented mainly in English with simultaneous interpretation in French and ASL, as well as with English and French captioning. Register According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, \u201csport is anchored in human rights values. It promotes fairness, non\u2010discrimination, respect and equal opportunities for all. As it reaches billions, including young people, it is a conduit for societal change through empowerment and inclusion.\u201d Despite being anchored in human rights values sport also faces human rights\u2010related challenges through various forms of discrimination be it sexism, racism, ableism, classism or others.  Join us for this virtual conversation with experts in the field of sport on October 23. Panelists (see below) will explore the ways in which sport can support human rights while acknowledging the many existing barriers all while offering solutions to overcome these barriers ensuring that sport is truly accessible to all and remains a conduit for positive societal change. Throughout this virtual conversation, participants will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions.  This program is presented proudly in partnership with the annual Simces &amp; Rabkin Family Dialogue on Human Rights and Equitas \u2014 International Centre for Human Rights Education.  Moderator and Panelists  Moderator: Wendy MacGregor The panel will be moderated by Wendy MacGregor \u2014 A consultant, educator, lawyer and founder and executive director of Athlete Zone. She has a masters in law on abuse and maltreatment of athletes. Her published work focuses on the root causes of sport violence, maltreatment prevention, power imbalance and wellness in sport. She is a lifelong athlete, former coach and sport board member, competed in marathons and triathlons, played university soccer and ski raced.  Amreen Kadwa Amreen Kadwa is the Founder and Executive Director of Hijabi Ballers, a Toronto\u2010based non\u2010profit that creates positive sport experiences for Muslim girls and women. With a background in community leadership and advocacy, she has built a platform that truly champions diversity and inclusion in sports. Under her leadership, Hijabi Ballers has created resources and programs to help Muslim girls and women thrive in sports including certifying dozens of Muslim women as coaches and launching programs in multiple sports such as basketball, soccer and snowboarding, to name a few. Amreen is also a sought\u2010after speaker, regularly addressing schools, conferences, and community events where young women see themselves reflected in her journey. Her work has sparked ripple effects across communities, inspiring others to embrace leadership and redefine what representation in sport can look like. Amreen is a mother to 3 young boys and resides in Toronto, ON.  Bryan Heal Bryan Heal (he\/him) is the Social Impact Research Lead at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), leading initiatives such as MLSE Foundation's Change the Game research program to advance access, engagement, equity and positive outcomes for youth through the power and potential of sport. At work, Bryan is passionate about demographic data, storytelling and building partnerships that support a safer and braver culture for youth in sport. Outside of his day job, Bryan serves on the Board of Directors of Canada's Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC); of Strides, Toronto's Lead Agency for Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health; and is Co\u2010Chair of the Rugby Ontario Build Belonging Committee. In life, Bryan's favourite hobbies include travelling, going on long runs and hikes through public trails and parks, and he spends much of his waking life thinking about what to eat for his next meal.  Jeff Adams Jeff Adams specializes in labour, employment and human rights law, advising employers, HR professionals and corporate teams on a wide range of workplace issues, including litigation, negotiation, contract drafting, and compliance. His approach emphasizes practical, cost\u2010effective strategies that foster healthy employee relations and effectively manage conflict. Jeff is fluent in both English and French and brings a unique background that spans sport, business, government, and law.  Jeff\u2019s career arc began as a Paralympic athlete with three gold medals in wheelchair racing (800 m \u00d7 2 [1996, 2000], 1500 m [2000]). After retiring from competitive sport, he launched and led a medical device company as President and CEO before selling it in 2016 and pivoting to law.  A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, Jeff is a member of the Order of Ontario and an inductee into the Canada Sports Hall of Fame.  About the program partners  Zena Simces Zena Simces has had a keen interest in human rights for many years. She has been involved in organizing a lecture on human rights with the Atlantic Centre for Human Rights in Fredericton, New Brunswick for over 30 years. She has also dedicated many years to addressing issues of hatred and prejudice as a leader with Canadian Jewish Congress in British Columbia and with the National Committee. Her professional career as a consultant in the health, social policy and education areas has included advocating and enhancing the rights of minority groups. Ms. Simces was a member of the National Seniors Council of Canada, providing advice to the Federal Minister for Seniors and the Minister of Health to improve the financial, health and social well\u2010being of older persons across Canada. She currently sits on the Board of the International Longevity Centre\u2010Canada and is a member of the Canadian Coalition Against Ageism. In 2025, she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her extraordinary dedication and contribution to community and country.  Dr. Simon Rabkin Dr. Simon Rabkin devoted some of his early career to providing health care to underserviced areas in Northern Canada and in Kenya. His experiences there and subsequently caring for disadvantaged individuals fostered his commitment to human rights. In various committees, in the private and public sectors, he has advanced the cause of human rights as well as issues of equity and diversity.  Equitas The Equitas Regional Office in British Columbia works closely with community to support the growth and sustainability of Equitas\u2019 programs in Western Canada. Since 2009, the team has worked in over 10 communities and with 80 community partners to identify emerging issues impacting young people, to develop innovative tools, educational resources and training that help build the leadership skills of diverse children and youth.   Equitas Please note Please note that this program is subject to change or cancellation without notice.  Share this Event  Related Content  Peacebuilding Through Truth and Reconciliation  August 12, 2026 to August 16, 2026  Cost: 475 (until May 31, 2026). Pricing details below  Event details Tags: Event Human rights promotion  Exterior photo of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights\u2019 glass windows and tower, taken against a prairie sky at dusk. The Winnipeg sign at the Forks is situated on the right side of the image. Multiple office towers and downtown lights are on the left-hand side of image. Partially obscured. Finding balance and connection through painting  October 11, 2025  Cost: $25 per person  Buy Ticket Event details Tags: Event Human rights promotion  Various sizes of paint brushes standing in a paint-brush holder against a blurred green backdrop. Partially obscured. Site footer Find Us  Map showing the location of the Museum on Israel Asper Way, west of Main Street and east of the Red River. The Museum is located just north of The Forks, an area that has been an Indigenous gathering place for thousands of years. Three large entrances are located along Israel Asper Way. From south (closest to The Forks) to north (closest to Provencher Boulevard), they are the Main Entrance, the Accessible Drop-off Entrance and the Group Entrance.  85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 0L5 Directions 85 Israel Asper Way Winnipeg, MB R3C 0L5  Contact us Phone: 204\u2013289-2000 Toll-free: 1\u2013877-877\u20116037 TTY: 204\u2013289-2050 info@humanrights.ca Join The Dialogue       Newsletter Sign-Up  Email Address  Sign up   Footer navigation About The Building Our Staff Support Friends of CMHR Contact Us Newsroom Legal links Sitemap Privacy Legal Code of conduct Symbol of the Government of Canada \u00a92025 Canadian Museum for Human Rights\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">humanrights.ca\/event\/matchup-between-human-rights-and-sports<\/a>.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><i>\u2013 Courtesy Simces &amp; Rabkin Family Dialogue on Human Rights<\/i><i><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The seventh annual Simces &amp; Rabkin Family Dialogue on Human Rights, organized by the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Vancouverites Zena Simces and Dr. Simon Rabkin, and Equitas-International Centre for Human Rights Education, takes place Oct. 23, at noon, via Zoom. It tackles the topic of The Match-up Between Human Rights and Sports: How Both [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[24390,24388,3076,1122,24389,4508,24387,24391],"class_list":["post-47722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-national","tag-armeen-kadwa","tag-bryan-heal","tag-education","tag-human-rights","tag-jeff-adams","tag-sports","tag-webinars","tag-wendy-macgregor"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":8}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47722","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47722"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47722\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47722"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47722"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.jewishindependent.ca\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47722"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}